MONTGOMERY PRIDE UNITED

Founded in 2015, we serve as an organization that advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ+ and other under-served and under-represented communities. Our initial team consisted of members of many different organizations, colleges, churches, and other concerned parties who united together to help better serve our community. Meeting in donated spaces, we organized and planned events to address the problems and issues that the LGBTQ+ community and others face while navigating society - issues such as poverty, discrimination, disparities in healthcare, housing, hiring practices and more. In 2015 we cohabitated a building alongside a mental health counseling agency that served as our first community center. Here, we established programs to serve our community that still exist today.

A L’il Free Pantry was created so that anyone in need of food or hygiene items could receive them quickly; a monthly program called Out & Proud Music, Open Mic & Craft Night was formed which exists today as MPU Story Hour; a Transgender & Gender Nonconforming Community Night was established as a support group for those who identify as such along with their families and partners; a weekly Community Check-In for anyone in need; a bi-monthly Grief and Loss support group was formed and overseen by licensed counselors; Seasonal gatherings are offered so that those without family or who are not welcome to join their family could join together and have a traditional style meal; a clothing distribution program was established so that anyone in need could receive good, quality clothing at no cost and which has served many homeless, displaced, and disaster-related needs.

We work closely with many service organizations such as mental health counseling agencies, churches, victims of abuse agencies, and are a referral agency to help get anyone in need connected with the proper service agency for assistance. Persons that come to our center requesting help are often homeless, some suffer from mental illness, and some are in states of despair and don’t know where to turn. Many youth and their families come to us when they are questioning their gender and sexuality to ask for information and advice. Other people are seeking education to better understand the issues that LGBTQ+ persons face. Colleges, universities, work places and organizations often request presentations on LGBTQ+ matters. We offer services to anyone in need and do not discriminate because of gender, sexuality, race, religion, age, disabilities, religious beliefs, veteran status, or any other classification.

Our agency is unique in that there is no other agency in Montgomery that offers such a variety of services for LGBTQ+ people. There are only a few LGBTQ+ social groups available here. Our location is near downtown and easily accessible.